Diplomatic Correspondent :
The official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has opened new opportunities for Bangladesh, particularly in manpower recruitment, as the Malaysian government has committed to ensuring smooth operations in this sector.
Anwar Ibrahim announced that 18,000 Bangladeshi workers, who had been unable to travel to Malaysia due to ticket complications, would receive assistance from the Malaysian government.
At a joint press conference, he expressed confidence in the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, and reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to being a strong partner.
Dr. Yunus welcomed the visit, emphasising the longstanding friendship between the two countries and the potential to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in areas like youth development, economics, culture, and the Rohingya issue.
He also highlighted discussions on a Fourth Free Trade Agreement and cooperation in various fields, including labour export and visa simplification.
The Malaysian labour market has always been seen as lucrative for Bangladesh, which is eager to send more skilled workers.
The migration of over 475,000 workers to Malaysia has already contributed significantly, with remittances reaching $1.5 billion annually.
Demand for additional workers is growing, which is expected to further boost foreign currency inflows to Bangladesh.
Experts believe that formalising a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two nations would further benefit both countries by creating a structured recruitment process.
This would support economic ties and labour markets, enhancing the contribution of foreign currency to Bangladesh’s economy.
Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia have reported satisfaction with their working conditions, thanks to the Malaysian government’s protection of their rights.
Malaysia has risen to become one of the top remittance-sending countries to Bangladesh, with $251.9 million sent in August 2024 alone.
Despite the success, recruitment agency owners have expressed concerns over disruptions caused by investigations from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and misinformation in the media, which they believe negatively impacts the recruitment process.
Ali Haider Chowdhury, a former BAIRA official, emphasised the high demand for foreign workers in Malaysia’s plantation and agriculture sectors, noting the potential for deploying more Bangladeshi workers to meet these needs.
Dr. Asif Nazrul, an adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, reiterated the government’s commitment to sending skilled workers to Malaysia and other countries.
He emphasised the need for transparency and effective policies to ensure smooth labour migration.
The visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is seen as a positive step in removing obstacles to manpower exports to Malaysia and eliminating syndicates. Anwar’s visit, accompanied by a 58-member delegation, marks the first official visit by a Malaysian prime minister in 11 years.